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During the 19th and early 20th century psychological treatment was based on viewing a mental disorder as an illness that needed to be cured. Mental illnesses were seen in a negative light, and treatment centered on rigid, structured psychotherapy methods for curing the underlying cause.
Limitless Possibilities
Psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987), believed that people are essentially healthy and good and that humanity is far too diverse to be grouped into specific psychological categories. He disagreed with the idea that people having mental difficulties were referred to as “patients.” A patient implies that a person is sick and needs a medical cure. He disagreed with the notion that a person’s mental well-being was a fixed and rigid state, but rather something that is achieved through a series of steps. Nor did he believe that individuals exist in some defective state that needs to be “fixed,” but that the human experience is alive and growing, and builds on experiences continually while offering limitless possibilities.
Finding Purpose
Rogers was a follower of Abraham Maslow (1908-1907), who is best known for his theory called The Hierarchy of Needs based on the idea that psychological health is based on fulfilling basic human needs. He maintained that certain needs must be met before there can be a progression to other more fulfilling needs, culminating in finding purpose through self-actualization.
Rogers took this concept further, establishing Client Centered Therapy that the good life is a process, not a state of being. This became the basis for the humanistic approach to understanding personality and human relationships. It is more beneficial to explore conscious thoughts and feelings. The word “patient” conveys that a person needs medical care because of illness. The “patient” became the client, who determines what will be discussed during each session. The therapist’s job then is to create a safe atmosphere of growth,
Live in the Present
Client Centered Therapy stresses that in order to enjoy the good life, we need to be fully open to new experiences and stay flexible and open to what life brings us. Live wholly in the present moment, trust ourselves, take responsibility for our choices, and treat ourselves and others with unconditional positivity.
Living in the moment prevents feeling trapped or stuck. By abandoning our preconceived ideas of a world that never lives up to expectations, of how things should be (which causes unhappiness), we are able to see the world as it really is.
The 3 Kinds of Happy Life:
- The Good Life – pursuing personal growth and achieving “flow.”
- The Meaningful Life – acting in service of something greater than yourself.
- The Pleasant Life – socializing, social relationships, and seeking pleasure.
These bring lasting happiness.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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